William Crane

Crane’s Craft BBQ at the Wagon Wheel Dance Hall is built on doing the fundamentals right, and that starts with pitmaster William Crane. His reputation is earned the right way: through time on the pit, not hype.

William Crane began honing his skills while stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. After moving to Fort Hood, he fully immersed himself in learning and living the Central Texas style of brisket. Now, operating on the outskirts of Abilene, he is winning the hearts and stomachs of the city one customer at a time.

In a world dominated by mesquite, Crane’s brisket stays true to Central Texas style – post oak smoked, with a focus on flavor that has become the most copied style around the world. Ribs and sausage round out the lineup as a strong supporting cast, with ribs that have a proper bite and flavor without falling apart, and sausage that brings that classic snap you expect.

The operation is scaling quickly, with many days selling out, while catering continues to take off, handling events that range from small gatherings to crowds of up to 4,000 people.

Crane’s Craft BBQ at the Wagon Wheel Dance Hall

1023 S Access Rd, Tye, Texas

(photo courtesy of William Crane, features William Crane, his wife and two daughters.)

Ricky Rodriguez

Ricky Rodriguez is phenomenal at what he does, and his experience shows in every cook through his patience, consistency, and dedication to the craft. At Good BBQ Company in East Austin, that kind of pride fits the brand: a trailer built around real community, Texas and Alabama barbecue traditions, and food cooked low and slow, aiming to make every plate feel special. Ricky has taught and shown me so much, and the taste of the meats is out of this world, tender, bold, and loaded with that deep smokey flavor that sticks with you. He truly loves his pit, and you can taste that love in the quality, the care, and the way he treats every cook like it matters. – J’Ashia Mitchell

BBQ Joint: Good BBQ Company – https://goodbbqcompany.com/

Contact Info: 1819 E 12th Street, Austin, TX 78702

Nick Derden

A U.S. Army veteran, Nick returned to civilian life carrying the weight of his service, searching for a place to channel his energy. While he moved through various jobs, his true voice was always found in two things: the rhythm of music and the low-and-slow heat of the pit. ### The Turning Point

The journey wasn’t a straight line. It began with a “1-man, 2-woman” cook-off team and a cooler full of boudin dip sold in parking lots. But when Nick chose sobriety, his craft hit another gear. What was once a passion became a purpose. He poured every ounce of that newfound clarity into the smoke, graduating from a homemade pit trailer to winning trophies on the competitive circuit.

​A New Legacy in an Old Space

​On September 20th, 2025, that purpose found a permanent home. Nick opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant in the oldest building in town— Blowin Smoke BBQ Co. In Danbury, TX. It’s a space where history meets the future.

​Today, the venue is a living intersection of his two greatest loves: Barbecue and Music. Backed by a “roll-up-your-sleeves” crew of family and friends, Nick isn’t just serving brisket; he’s serving a story of resilience that has already caught the attention of the Texas Chronicles.

​”He didn’t just build a restaurant; he reclaimed his life,”

Nominated by his wife Malissa Derden

Jay Johnson

What began as a pop-up tent more than three years ago has grown into one of Smithville’s most talked-about barbecue stops. Jay Johnson and his wife Kailee, have operated their brick-and-mortar location, Bubby’s BBQ, for about ten months, and they routinely sell out Thursday through Sunday. Kailee is nominating her husband for Texas Barbecue Pitmaster of the Month, pointing to his relentless work ethic, consistency on the pits, and the loyal crowds that line up week after week.

Bubby’s BBQ, located at 320 NW Loop 230 in Smithville, Texas, the business reflects years of grind, refinement, and commitment to true Texas barbecue. Jay runs the smokers and the cutting board, while Kailee keeps the operation humming behind the scenes, from customer flow to day-to-day logistics. Together, they have turned a side hustle into a full-time destination and one of the area’s fastest-rising barbecue success stories.

Charlie Shirley of Rogers, Texas, embodies what Texas barbecue is all about. He cooks with purpose, leads with heart, and lifts up everyone around him. Charlie earned the State Championship in Meridian, Texas, proving his skill at the highest level. He did it even after losing his tastebuds to cancer, relying on instinct and experience instead of flavor.

As a respected leader in the Outlaw BBQ community and a key organizer of Central Texas competitions, Charlie is known for helping others succeed. His story is one of courage, service, and a love for barbecue bigger than Texas itself.

Charlie Shirley is a champion in every sense of the word and deserves recognition as Pit Master of the Month.

Team: Outlaw BBQ

Location: Rogers, Texas

Nominated by Bubba Cepak

It is with great pleasure that I make the following nomination for the Texas Barbecue Online Magazine’s Pitmaster of the Month.

William Tischina Jr., known as Smokin Willy T, has spent nearly 20 years dedicated to barbecue. He turned a backyard hobby into a purpose-driven career that has taken him around the world. Based in Houston, Texas, he is the co-creator of Smokey Rebel seasonings and rubs, and has worked with respected barbecue operations including Pinkerton’s BBQ, Tin Roof BBQ, and Loro Houston. He has contributed to Texas A&M’s Camp Brisket and Camp BBQ and has been a featured voice on pitmaster education panels.

Willy has earned major competition success with H-Town Smokers, Pitts and Spitts, Pitmaker, and Team Mexico, including top finishes at the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cook Off and third overall at Grillmasters in South America. His work with Operation BBQ Relief during Hurricane Harvey helped feed 175 thousand people in two weeks and showed him the true power of barbecue to comfort those who have lost everything.

Barbecue saved his life, and he pays that forward by mentoring new pitmasters and cooking for organizations that help people battling addiction. He believes great things take time, just like low and slow. Today, he continues to represent Houston proudly, spread barbecue culture globally, and lift others up through fire, smoke, and food.

William is a true ambassador for barbecue, lifting others up, representing Houston with pride, and proving that low and slow builds community, purpose, and hope.

Sincerely, Bill Dumas aka The Sausage Sensei

Texas Barbecue Online Magazine proudly names Chris Rodriguez of Tejano Cookers BBQ & Catering as the very first Pit Master of the Month. Chris embodies the strength, perseverance, and family spirit that define true Texas barbecue.

Five years ago, Chris suffered a stroke that could have ended his career, but instead, it became the start of a powerful comeback story. Through hard work, faith, and determination, he continues to lead his team from his BBQ trailer, balancing physical therapy with his passion for teaching others the craft of great barbecue. His energy and heart have made him a mentor and role model throughout the BBQ community. 

With 28 years of experience in competitions and catering, Chris opened the Tejano Cookers BBQ & Catering food truck in 2020, bringing his signature Tejano-style flavors to fans across Texas. He and fellow pit master Jaime Cansino have been cooking side by side for over 24 years, building both friendship and legacy along the way. 

Tejano Cookers BBQ & Catering is a true family operation. Chris’s wife, Angir Rodriguez, manages the financial side, while Erica Cansino oversees catering and event coordination. Their son, CJ Rodriguez, has earned his place “on the chopping block,” mastering meat prep and slicing. Together, this family-run team keeps the flame of Tejano barbecue burning strong. 

Chris Rodriguez’s passion, perseverance, and dedication make him a deserving first recipient of this honor. His story is a testament to what Texas barbecue is all about, heart, family, and a lifelong love for the smoke.

Location: 5750 Williams Dr., Georgetown, TX
Phone: 512.661.1418